The Lubricant Producers Association of Nigeria (LUPON) says the Nigeria Customs Services (NCS) is sabotaging the Federal Government by circumventing the law that reduced duties from 10 per cent to 5 per on imported material.
Mr Emeka Obidike, the Executive Secretary of the association, accused the NCS of sabotage at a news conference on Monday in Lagos to herald the 1st Nigerian Lubricant Summit.
The Lubricant Producers Association of Nigeria (LUPON) says the Nigeria Customs Services (NCS) is sabotaging the Federal Government by circumventing the law that reduced duties from 10 per cent to 5 per on imported material.
Mr Emeka Obidike, the Executive Secretary of the association, accused the NCS of sabotage at a news conference on Monday in Lagos to herald the 1st Nigerian Lubricant Summit.
Obidike said that the officers at the ports were disregarding the directives from the Minister of Finance and insisting on the payment of the old tariff of 10 per cent.
He said that several companies whose businesses relied on the imported materials had been grounded, adding that Customs' approach had deterred the association's members from fulfilling their business and financial commitments.
The secretary urged the Federal Government to intervene and save their business from total collapse.
Mr Kayode Sote, Managing Director, Lubeservices Associates, said that the summit would aim at promoting better understanding and appreciation of the nation’s hydrocarbon reserves, potential and diverse investment opportunity among the stakeholders.
Sote said the association remained committed to sustainable job creation and contribution to the technical and economic growth of the nation.
Also speaking, Mr Mudei Alphonsus, Assistant Director, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), noted that the objective of the summit was part of their contributions in assisting DPR to regulator the industry.
Alphonsus commended the organisers of the programme and reassured them of DPR's participation.
He urged stakeholders in the sector to support the initiative which was aimed at enhancing the growth of the lubricants market.
The summit with the theme, “The Nigerian Lubricants Market: Opportunities and Challenges,” is scheduled to hold between Aug. 19 and 20 in Lagos.
Bayelsa Sets Up Task Force To Tackle Insecurity In Creeks, Waterways 6
Gov. Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa has inaugurated an 11-man task force to police the creeks and waterways across the state safeguard lives and property.
This is contained in a statement signed by Daniel Iworiso-Markson, Chief Press Secretary to Bayelsa Governor and made available to newsmen in Yenagoa.
It explained that the task force was aimed at stemming the tide of kidnapping, sea piracy, illegal bunkering and oil pipeline vandalism.
“The task force is expected to liaise with Bayelsa’s special security outfit – the Operation Doo Akpor-Marine.
`It has Ebikabowei Victor as Chairman and Osei Clever as Vice Chairman. Tony Ekisa, Pastor Reuben Wilson, Ayibatari Odio, Alalebo West are members.
“Other members are Ibarakumo Otobo, Daubiri Samba, Chiefson O. Chiefson, Etai Daniel and Pius Wariyai.’’
According to the statement, Dickson expressed deep concern over the rising cases of insecurity in the waterways.
It called on community leaders, youths and the general public to be vigilant and cooperate with the task force and security agencies to flush out hoodlums from the creeks and waterways.
The statement said the special task force and the leadership of 'Operation Doo Akpor' Marine will be coordinated by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Col. Bernard Kenebai (Rtd).
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